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MODULE 3-A BRIEF HISTORY OF PHILIPPINES ART (Final)
MODULE 3-A BRIEF HISTORY OF PHILIPPINES ART (Final)
T from foreign artworks? How did our art pieces’ progress then and
now?
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works of art even prior to our colonization up to the present
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era. Consequently, the country's artworks have reflected
the wide range of cultural influences from our ancestors,
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The previous module has introduced us to the description of art and its functions in society
and the people. The different classification of art forms and styles were also introduced and
pioneers of contemporary arts in the Philippines.
In this module, we will be discussing what Philippine art is and what makes Filipino works of
art distinct from other art pieces. In addition, the progression of how the country's artworks
were developed will also be discussed in this module.
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The history of the Philippines from 1521 was marred with a series of invasions and occupations
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from the coming of the Spaniards to the Americans and the Japanese in the Second World War.
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Freedom was regained only after the liberation from the Japanese in 1946 at the end of the war.
Our history was a story of four centuries of conquest as a nation.
These events have genuinely influenced our culture, behavior, and thinking as a people. Thus,
Philippine art is no exception to the vast influence it got from our colonizers. As a result of the
colonization, the artworks produced after that possessed the Renaissance, Baroque and
Modern Periods qualities. Below is the timeline of Philippine art history.
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Filipinos are very social people, which is reflected in their art, especially in their traditional art.
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Though our colonizers and most especially the West does have a tremendous influence on
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contemporary art, particularly with the movements and the techniques, in its heart, Philippine
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contemporary art is an example of integral arts which is essentially communal and unitive in
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nature. This means that art is often created and conceived by artists considering the society and
community they live in. Filipino art often gives more importance to how it affects the artist's
society than its impacts on the individual. Filipino Art is many instances intended to unite the
community and hopes to create cooperative action rather than individual change.
Pre-Conquest or Pre-Colonial Arts
These are reflections by which the natives of these islands have expressed their culture and
civilization. These are proofs that the earliest inhabitants of these islands were learned people
even before the coming of the Spaniards.
Literature
Our pre-colonial, ethnic literature is a rich repository of ideas and cultural practices evident in
folk speeches, folk songs, folk narratives, indigenous rituals, and dances that show our ties with
our Southeast Asian neighbors.
Folk Speeches
These riddles include the talinghaga or metaphor that "reveals subtle resemblances between
two different objects" and therefore test the keen analytical ability of the listener. Like the
tigmo in Cebuano, bugtong in Tagalog, paktakon in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol.
Proverbs or Aphorisms
These encapsulate the rules of conduct and community beliefs which instill values through short
verses with rhyme that is full of wisdom. Such is the tanaga, which has insights and lessons on
life according to life experiences. The basahanon from Bukidnon and daraida and daragilon
from Panay.
Folk Song
This is a folk lyric expressing the relationships and lessons about people's aspirations in the
community. They are often repetitive, sonorous, didactic and naive as in the children's songs
from Maguindanao, known as the Ida-ida, tulang pambata from the Tagalog region, and
cansiones para abbing from among the Ibanag. The lullabies or Ili-ili from Iloilo, harana or
serenade from Cebu and the ambahan among the Mangyans. They also include work songs
depicting livelihoods such as the kalusan from the Ivatan, the soliranin, a Tagalog rowing song,
or the Kalinga rice pounding song known as the mambayu.
Folk Narratives
These are epics, and folk tales such as legends explain the world's origin, places, animals, and
other creations. For example, fables are narratives about the origin of animals relating lessons
or morals, such as the Monkey and the Turtle, which is about the slow-moving but quick-witted
turtle which has outwitted the quick but dull-witted monkey. On the other hand, epics include
the Darangen from Maranao, Hudhud from Ifugao, and Ulahingan from the Manobo. These
epics narrate heroic deeds and unusual events while embodying a particular community's
beliefs, customs, norms, and ideals. They are either presented through a song or chants
accompanying musical instruments while individuals perform dances. Most prominent among
the epics are the Bi-ag ni Lam-ang from the Ilocanos; Darangen from the Maranao; Hinilawod
from the Sulod; Kudaman from Palawan and the Tudbulol from the Tboli.
Decorative Art or Crafts
1. Pottery
This is one of the most ancient arts during the pre-colonial Philippines. The
Manunggul Jar was excavated in Palawan during the 8th century BC and
reflected a high degree of artistry. This huge burial jar has two prominent
figures at the top handle of its cover representing the soul's journey to the
Manunggul Jar
afterlife. Its design is geometric with nature motifs.
COMPILED BY: GENALYN F. MARQUEZ
FOR HIGHER SCHOOL NG UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI (HSU) – AY 2021-2022
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2. Weaving
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It evolved from the pre-colonial communities and has been a traditional
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source of living. Communities from the Cordillera of the north are well
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known for this art. They produce textiles and blankets with a backstrap
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loom for daily needs, rituals, and religious rites. A similar tradition is
evident in the Ilocos provinces and even in Mindanao among the T’boli
of Cotabato through weaving abaca cloth known as the 'tnalak' done
T’nalak by the T'boli
through the tie-dye process.
3. Jewelry Making
Pre-colonial dwellers adorn themselves with highly intricate ornaments
made of precious metals such as gold. Communities from the Cordillera
have the ling-ling-o, which signifies fertility. The T’boli wear the most
exquisite embellishments made of brass, such as multicolored beads for
neckpieces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets. These body ornaments
Lingling-o or ling-ling-o
please the gods as well as signify social status.
Visual Arts
1. Sculpture
Carving in the Cordilleras focus on the Anito figures called the bulul,
which they believe has their ancestral spirits and gods. In the south, the
Maranao and Tausug have their okir, which are ornate curvilinear
designs carved in woods, such as the sarimanok is a bird painted in
multi-color, and the pako rabong, which is a fern with a broad base.
Bulul by the Ifugao
Performing Arts
1. Dances
These are performed during special occasions such as birth, baptism,
circumcision, puberty rites, courtship, weddings, during illness and
death. Tribal activities also require such art and include hunting, fishing,
rice planting, harvest time, and engagement in tribal wars. During these
rituals, a mandadawak, bayok, catalonan, or babaylan enters a trance
while the shaman offers sacrifices. The Tagbanua of Palawan ritual is
performed by dancing and shaking both hands with the ugsang or palm
leaves. Similar to this are the tribal dances of the Aetas of Zambales. It
considered proto-dramas and playful imitations of animal movements
such as the monkey and fish. In Mindanao, the hawk dances are
performed by the Higaonon as well as the monkey and butterfly dances
of the Tausug and Samal in Sulu. These rituals and dances express pre
colonial beliefs and reflect the indigenous people's activities and
Tagbanua of Palawan
material culture. These plays develop a stronger sense of cohesion
performing Pagdidiwata'
among the tribal members for collective welfare.
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Another prominent secular poetry is the metrical romance known as the awit and korido,
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which are colorful tales of chivalry from Europe. The Awit and Korido are made for singing
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and chanting, such the Ibong Adarna and Francisco Balagtas' "Florante at Laura," a
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metrical romance.
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2. Prose
Religious narrative prose consists of those written to prescribe proper
behavior. They were channels for instruction in the Catholic faith and
colonialization of the students in all Catholic schools. An example of this
is the Manual de Urbanidad or conduct book, which consists of
standards on social propriety in proverbs, maxims, dialogues, and short
illustrative tales of devout behavior. Modesto de Castro's Pagsusulatan
nang Dalauang Binibini na si Urbana at ni Feliza in 1864 shows how a
Modesto de Castro's
Dialogo or Dialogue shows how behavior can be learned through an
Urbana at ni Feliza
exchange of insights.
3. Printing
This was done through the xylographic method using woodblocks. The
Spaniards have published the first book, the Doctrina Christiana en
Lengua Española y Tagala (Christian Doctrine in the Spanish and Tagalog
Languages), the Doctrina Christiana en Letra y Lengua China (The
Christian Doctrine in the Chinese Script and Language), and the Apologia
por la Verdadera Religion (In Defense of the True Religion) published by
Doctrina Christiana
the Dominican order in 1593.
Visual Arts
1. Sculpture and Architecture
These art forms were manifested by building churches in every town and
plaza all over the archipelago. It exhibited the combination of indigenous
design and European classical or baroque.
This was evident in the stone carvings on the facade of the Miag-ao
Church in Iloilo. Silver ornaments were found in the altars and the
Miag-ao Church
Two Filipino Art Styles Developed During the Spanish Colonial Period
1. Miniaturismo
The works of painters like Simon Flores, Antonio Malantic, and Justiniano
Ascunsion captured the intricately designed jewelry and fashion accessories,
the minuet details of the embroidered clothes, and ornately designed
domestic furniture of the patrons. The painstaking attention to minuet
details characterized miniaturismo.
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2. Letras Y Figuras
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Letras Y Figuras (letters and figures), a style developed by Jose Honorato
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Lozano, combines both tipos del pais and genre paintings by forming the
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letters of the patron’s name from figures of people in local costumes doing
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everyday activities. It also utilized landscape scenes as background.
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Visual Arts
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The American colonial strategy was implemented through the public school
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system. In the visual arts, illustrations and cartoons for the American
O controlled textbooks and publications became necessary for distribution in
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∙ Victorio Edades
∙ Carlos “Botong” Francisco
∙ Galo B. Ocampo
Victorio C. Edades' paintings mainly were distorted human figures in rough, bold impasto
strokes and standing tall and singular in his advocacy and practice of what he believes is
the creative art. He emerged as the "Father of Modern Philippine Painting." He became
the Dean of the Department of Architecture at the University of Santos Tomas. During
this time, he introduced liberal arts program that offers subjects such as art history and
foreign languages that will lead to a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. This time, he invited
Galo B. Ocampo and Carlos "Botong" Francisco to teach in the said university. The three,
who would later be known as the formidable "Triumvirate," led the growth of mural
painting in the country.
Japanese Colonial Arts
The coming of the Japanese from 1941 to 1945 curtailed the further proliferation of the
English language as the government prohibited it. However, during the Japanese occupation,
Filipino literature was given a chance to flourish, specifically in the form of literary works.
COMPILED BY: GENALYN F. MARQUEZ
FOR HIGHER SCHOOL NG UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI (HSU) – AY 2021-2022
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Literary Arts
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1. Poetry
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The usual theme was about the love of country, rural life, religion, and arts in poetry. The
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most common was the Haiku which is a poem of the free-verse. It is short but covers an
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extensive meaning. Similar to this is the Tanaga, which is short but with rhyme and
measure.
2. The Short Story
This literary form became progressive during the Japanese occupation.
Brigido Batungbakal, Macario Pineda, Liwayway Arceo, Nestor
Vicente Madali or NVM Gonzales and Gloria Guzman wrote the best
short stories which gave rise to Narciso Reyes' Lupang Tinubuan;
Liwayway Arceo's Uhaw and Tigang na Lupa and NVM Gonzales'
Lunsod, Nayon at Dagat-Dagatan. As evident, these short stories focus
on Nationalism as well as the concerns of national interest during the
Japanese occupation. Some journalists, however, were known for their
writings in English, such as Leon Ma. Guerrero, Raul Manglapuz, and
His Native Soil by
Juan C. Laya
Carlos Bulosan were suppressed by this prohibition. They wrote
propaganda reiterating their nationalist sentiment, which was against the continued rule
of the Japanese. The most prominent writers include as well Rafael Zulueta da Costa,
who wrote "Like the Molave', Juan Laya on 'His Native Soil' and President Manuel L.
Quezon's autobiography 'The Good Fight.'
Performing Arts
1. The Drama
These experienced setbacks as most movie houses showing American films became
venues for stage shows. As a result, many of the plays shown were reproductions of
English plays translated into Tagalog. During this time, the 'Dramatic Philippines was
established by Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Condo, and Narciso Pimentel. Some play
writers include Jose Ma. Hernandez and Julian Cruz Balmaceda.
2. Music
Japanese music was imposed and heard in radio broadcasts. These were also taught in
public schools despite the inattention of the Filipino students. In addition, the Japanese
government held lectures on Oriental music to allow Asian and not Western music
appreciation. The Metropolitan Theater became a significant venue where concerts
were held as a form of entertainment for the Filipinos. Opera and in general, classical
music flourished during these times, which even gave rise to the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra, comprised mainly of Filipinos
Visual Arts
1. Paintings
These art forms were used to produce materials for propaganda. Leaflets, flyers, and
posters were graphically designed to carry out propaganda slogans sending messages
pushing for cooperation between Japanese and Japan, the imposition of Nihongo, and
warding off American influences. These artworks were dropped from Japanese planes
over Manila and the rest of the country. Meanwhile, several Filipino artists clamored for
independence and national identity. They focused on the subject matter, content, and
form, which gave rise to modern painting, especially with the popularity of Victorio C.
Edades, Carlos V. Francisco, also known as 'Botong Francisco', and Galo B. Ocampo.
Botong's Art was depicted through fluid lines and brilliant colors such as the ‘First Mass
at Limasawa' while Ocampo's 'Flagellants' fused the figures of penitence and Lent with
images of the war.
2. Sculptures
Luz and Eduardo Castrillo created large-scale outdoor sculptures while others produced
abstract, minimalist, and geometric sculptures. Local materials were used, such as burlap
and coconut shell. Abstractionists prominent during the Japanese occupation are Nestor
Vinluan and Phyllis Zaballero, both works on figures with elements and colors that are
symbolic and of high emotions. Sculptures during those times manifest the absence of
peace and the presence of chaos, as evident in the distorted and emotional figures.
N Postwar Arts
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The Philippines obtained liberty from the Japanese and Americans. This is a period when the
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Philippine literature flourished. This era was also celebrated as the "Recovering Era" where
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Filipino literature was given a break and had the time to transition from American style to
modern style. The post-war event had an impact on influencing new literary themes with its
new symbolism and communication modes. This was when Filipinos learned to express
themselves more confidently and proudly.
Another category of Modern Art that emerged more definitively during the period was an
abstraction. This generally consists of simplified forms, which bypass mimetic representation.
It is sometimes referred to as non-representational or non-objective art. It emphasizes the
relationships of line, color, and space or the flatness of the canvas rather than an illusion of
three-dimensionality.
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Symbolic creative expression became the fundamental nature of contemporary art as it
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became a free-spirited and distinct trait of the modem environment.
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Contemporary as Postmodernism
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The end of modernism is the beginning of the contemporary period in the evolution of
Philippine Art. Contemporary is the point where artists liberated themselves from the nature
of what is considered modem after the Second World War. The Modern Period in Philippine
Art began after the war, specifically with the creation of the Art Association of the Philippines
(AAP), which has evident leaning with the Modernist rather than the Traditional or
Conservatives called the Amorsolo School.
Contemporary art has distinct characteristics that cannot be considered akin to what is
considered modem. Postmodernism signifies the Filipino artists' opportunity to curtail the
limits set by modernism. The use of new media and the hype created by technology gave rise
to Conceptual art, Performance art, Feminist and Installation art. The continuous
development of innovative media and technology allowed Contemporary art to surpass the
characteristics of Modem Art.
Contemporary Art as Integrative
Integrative art is an activity that motivates a learner to express his emotions through optimal
use of his senses. It produces in the learner the enthusiasm to create and manipulate
elements that can express his sentiments as triggered by his sensory experiences. The same
is a product of the integration of arts in the learning experience of the individual that
requires the use of the following processes:
1. Perceptual cognition
This requires the learner's cognitive ability to process the information derived from the
external environment as received by his senses whether he sees it, hears it, feels it, tastes
it, and smells it. Their personal experiences and observations lead to their unique
perception.
2. Metaphorical modes of thinking
Every individual recreates realities according to their own experiences. They construct
abstractions that create a general idea that provides more meaning and sentiment to the
given reality or insights.
3. Use of alternative forms of communication
One can express their sentiments, emotions, and feelings in varied ways. Traditional
methods can be modified, while innovative methods can ideally produce the artist's
desired effect to convey their message.
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2. Barter in Panay (1961)
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A novel was written by Amado V. Hernandez, a social activist who wrote about the
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struggle of the Filipino to uplift his life. The setting reflected Hernandez's life as a guerilla
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during the Japanese occupation. In this narrative, the author clamored for change in the
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living condition of the Filipinos who suffered much under the government.
3. Mars Ravelo's Buhay Pilipino (1916 - 1988)
Mar's Ravelo is 'The King of Komiks' and produced over a hundred comic works at Ace
Publications. His creations such as "Buhay Pilipino" in Liwayway novels like Varna, Jack
and Jill, Captain Barbell, Maruja, Lastikman, Goomboo Roomboo, Bondying, Roberta
were among those so loved by Filipino readers.
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Philippine Contemporary Dance
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This form of art from the 60s became very dynamic as several schools began to establish
N folk dance troupes such as the Far Eastern Univesity (FEU), Philippine Women's
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University (PWU), and the Philippine Normal University's (PNU) Barangay Folk Dance
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ACTIVITY 1 – ART ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON
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Watch and Learn:
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1. Watch the video of Jonathan Ogden, a musical artist explaining “How to Make an
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Abstract Collage.” Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE2H5iqIPrk.
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2. Create an abstract collage expressing the identity of Philippine arts as a Filipino living in
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contemporary society.
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E 1. Datuin, F. M., Paulino, R., Ramirez, E. L., & Marcelino, L. (2016). Contemporary
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Philippine Arts from the Regions. REX E-Store. Rex Book Store. Retrieved January 29, 2022,
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E from https://estore.rex.com.ph/.
2. Department of Education. (2018, September 28). K to 12 Senior High School Core Curriculum
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– Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions Curriculum Guide. Deped LR Portal.
R Retrieved January 15, 2022, from https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/14507
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http://www.parangal.org/tagbanua
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forms-in-philippine-literature/
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Magalona, E., Zoleta, M. A., & Arlos, A. (2017). Contemporary Philippine Arts from the
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